Do not be casual against Crooklands, says Ashcroft

Longridge Town are on their travels again this week as they face Cumbrian side Crooklands Casuals in the WLL Premier Division.

Lee Ashcroft’s men secured a victory over fellow Cumbrians Vickerstown last Saturday but it was not a particularly good performance.

And the manager is expecting a better display this weekend.

He said: “We were not at our best against Vickerstown. We huffed and puffed in the second half and I’m glad we came away with the victory.”

Last season’s fixture at Crooklands did not go exactly to plan for Town. With the score tied at 1-1, former Town striker Rick Coar was fouled in the penalty area with nothing given.

Crooklands went up the other end and were given a late penalty which was converted, handing them all three points.

Casuals are currently sitting in 13th place in the table and will be wanting revenge following Town’s 5-1 victory earlier in the season at Hallowe’en.

Ashcroft said: “Obviously last season we lost 2-1 and we’re looking to put that right on Saturday afternoon.

“Like many grounds in this league it’s a difficult place to go but I’m confident that my players will get a result.

“We’ve got a healthy squad and I’ll see on Wednesday how the team trains and if there will be any changes.”

Due to the postponements over the last couple of months, Town will have eight games in March.

Ashcroft is not worried about the extra games, which include three midweek fixtures and a match on bank holiday Monday.

He said: ‘I’m looking forward to the run of games.

“The midweek games will be a great experience for the lads playing under the floodlights, which is new for the club and I’m keen on getting a run of good results together. I’m just hoping the pitch will be fine.”